System controlled by data bearing records

ABSTRACT

A machine that operates responsive at least in part to data bearing records ( 10 ) presents user selection contest options to users through at least one output device such as a display ( 14 ) and receives user contest option selection inputs and machine instruction inputs through input devices such as a touch screen overlay ( 16 ), keypad ( 18 ) or other input devices. The machine may further include a device that reads data bearing records such as a bar code reader or a card reader ( 30 ). The machine records the user&#39;s selections and also user/machine interaction data which describes each user interaction with the machine during the user&#39;s session with the machine to facilitate verifying proper operation of the machine and recording of user selections.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Exemplary embodiments include systems controlled by data bearing recordswhich may be classified in CPG G 06 K 17/00; USPC 235/375.

BACKGROUND

User interaction with machines is a common occurrence. Often usermachine interaction involves the machine presenting the user withselectable options and choices, and the user providing inputs whichindicate user selections. The user selections may be indicative of userpreferences related to numerous available contest options, whichselections are recorded as data bearing records for purposes of makingcollective determinations, such as in voting. It is desirable to assurethat machines and systems that produce records of such user inputselections do so in a manner that is accurate.

Machines and systems that operate responsive to data bearing records andthat produce data bearing records of user input selections may benefitfrom improvements.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments include systems and methods which operateresponsive at least in part to data bearing records and which producedata bearing records related to user selections that are input to amachine along with user/machine interaction data related to suchselections, which user/machine interaction data is usable to verify thatthe input user selections are accurately recorded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a right top isometric front view of an exemplary machinethrough which user selections may be presented and input in operativeconnection with a printer.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of functional components included in anexemplary machine.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are simplified exemplary logic flow diagrams associatedwith the operation of an exemplary machine in recording user contestselections and user/machine interaction data.

FIG. 5 includes two examples of user/machine interaction data elementsand the content of each.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a machine and user interactions therewithalong with graphical representations of the user/machine interactiondata as may be output through the display in connection with an audit orrecap.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 which shows an exemplary embodimentof data that may be displayed in connection with a selectionuser/machine interaction event.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is showntherein exemplary machine generally indicated 10 that operatesresponsive at least in part to data bearing records. In some exemplaryembodiments the machine may be of the type shown in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/663,941 and/or 62/369,856, the disclosures ofeach of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.The exemplary machine 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 includesa display 14 that serves as an output device. The display 14 isassociated with a touch detection overlay 16 so as to provide a touchscreen. The touch screen overlay may be of the resistive, capacitive,acoustic wave or other type suitable for detecting the position where auser's finger contacts the surface of the touch detection overlay.Exemplary embodiments may also detect positions of multiple concurrentfinger contacts and finger movements or gestures. The touch detectionoverlay in combination with the touch screen display serves as an inputdevice.

The exemplary machine further includes a keypad 18. The keypad 18 servesas an input device and includes a plurality of manually actuatablebuttons 20 through which a user may selectively provide inputs.

The exemplary machine further includes an audio output device whichcomprises a headphone jack 22 in the exemplary embodiment. In theexemplary arrangement, the headphone jack is releasibly operativelyengageable with headphones. Headphones may be worn by a blind user orother person with disabilities requiring audio assistance who operatesthe machine. The user may provide selections in response to visual oraudio voice guidance outputs provided by the machine. Although aheadphone jack is described in the exemplary embodiment, otherembodiments may include wireless audio interfaces such as NFC orBluetooth ports that are operative to communicate with wirelessheadphones or a user's smart phone or other device through which a usermay receive audio or other user instructions.

The exemplary machine further includes a data bearing record readingdevice such as a bar code reader 24. In exemplary arrangements, the barcode reader may be operative to read bar code indicia included on atoken, such as an article or card which identifies a user category,residence, jurisdiction or other user related information whichdetermines at least some machine outputs to the user. The indiciaincluded on such a token may be utilized in some configurations toidentify contest or other user selections that are to be presented tothe user. In some arrangements, the token provided for this purpose maybe utilized by a machine attendant, poll worker or other supervisoryindividual to cause the machine to be configured to present to the userthe output contest selection options which are to be presented to a userbased on a user's information, for example, the user's residence in aparticular geographical area or other qualification to provide selectioninputs in response to the particular contest options that the machinewill present in response to reading the bar code indicia. In otherembodiments, the bar code reader 24 may be operative to read a bar codeor other indicia included on a record such as a paper ballot 26. Thisapproach may be used when the machine is utilized to mark userselections on the pre-printed paper record such as a ballot through theuse of an associated printer 28. An approach of this type may beutilized when the machine is configured to operate as a record markingdevice for marking paper records in the form of ballots that can beutilized to enable blind users or other users with disabilities to marksuch paper records without assistance. It should be understood thatother data bearing record readers such as bar code readers may beoperative to read one dimensional bar codes, two dimensional bar codes,QR codes or other suitable types of readable indicia as is appropriateto carry out the particular functionality which is to be achieved.

In other embodiments, the data bearing record reader such as the barcode reader may be operative to read indicia which indicates contestselections that a user had previously input to a device. Such a devicemay include a smart phone, tablet or other mobile device that isoperable by the user. In exemplary arrangements these selectionspreviously input by the user of the device comprise records that can beread by reading of the indicia from the device such as from a screenthereof. The read indicia corresponding to the user selections outputfrom the mobile device may be presented to the user through the displayof the machine. The user may then operate the machine to indicate thatthe output contest selections correspond to the selections that themachine user wishes to make through interactions with the machine. Theuser can then provide inputs to the machine where the machine recordsthe user's contest or other selections. The user may also change theircontest selections through inputs to the machine before the selectionsare recorded as final user selections. In other arrangements, the barcode reader may be operative to read record indicia from a user deviceor other item which indicates user preferences in connection with theoperation of the machine. Such user preferences may include the fontsize, the contrast of the display, the operation of certain features ordevices or other things that correspond to user machine operationpreferences. The reading of such record indicia by the bar code readeror other data bearing record reader may cause the machine to operate ina manner that the user has indicated through their portable device ispreferable for the particular user. This approach may avoid the need forthe user to have to provide inputs to the machine to cause the machineto operate in a desired manner or mode, and may facilitate the abilityof the user to use the machine unassisted or generally withoutassistance from others. Of course these approaches are exemplary and inother embodiments, other approaches may be used.

The exemplary machine further includes a device that reads data bearingrecords which comprises a card reader 30. The card reader 30 serves asan input device in some exemplary embodiments for purposes of reading adata bearing record such as an article or card 32. The exemplary card orother article 32 may include a memory with stored data thereon. Thememory may provide to the machine information about the particularcontest selection options, such as contest selection options that are tobe presented to the user by the machine. In some exemplary arrangements,the data bearing record in the form of a card or other article, mayinclude a computer chip which is programmable by machine attendants suchas poll workers to include data corresponding to the particular set ofuser selections applicable to a machine user, such as a votingjurisdiction or survey data. In other arrangements, the card may includedata indicative of other information which is operative to cause themachine to output to the user, contest selection options and machineselection options that are appropriate for the particular user. In someexemplary arrangements, the card reader 30 may be used in lieu of thebar code reader input device 24 and vice versa.

The exemplary machine further includes an input device in the form of atleast one camera 34. In the exemplary embodiment, the at least onecamera may serve as an eye tracking camera that is operative to captureinformation about the position and orientation of a machine user's eyesin viewing the display 14. The at least one eye tracking camera inconjunction with associated circuitry is operative to determine theparticular location on the display screen at which the user is looking.In some exemplary arrangements, the eye tracking camera may comprisemultiple disposed cameras to facilitate observation of the orientationof both eyes of a user in resolving the particular display object, suchas an icon or name or a selection box, at which the user is currentlylooking. In exemplary arrangements, the eye tracking cameras may also beoperative to detect the user focusing their gaze on a particularselection option and taking an action which corresponds to making acontest selection. This may include, for example, the user blinking oneor both eyes. Alternatively in other arrangements, the machine may beoperative to cause the user selection to be recorded if a user gazes ata particular display object for more than a set period of time. Ofcourse it should be understood that these approaches are exemplary andin other embodiments, other approaches may be used.

The exemplary machine further includes a binary user interface 36. Inthe exemplary arrangement, the interface is in operative connection witha binary device such as a sip and puff input device that is operative toconnect to a pressure sensing apparatus that a user can actuate usingtheir mouth and lungs. In other exemplary arrangements, the binary inputdevice may include a foot pedal which may be operated by a user's footto provide selection inputs to the machine. In other arrangements, thebinary input device may include a gel switch which can be compressed orotherwise actuated by a user to provide binary inputs in response tooutputs by the machine. Such a binary input interface may be used toenable a disabled user to provide user inputs in response to usercontest selection options so as to provide inputs that respond to bothcontest options and machine instruction options.

It should be understood that generally exemplary machines will notinclude all the different input and output devices that have beendescribed in connection with exemplary machine 10. Generally, a machinewill have a subset of these input and output devices as is appropriatefor the nature of the machine operation that is to be accomplished.However, in other arrangements, exemplary machines may include othertypes of input and output devices as is appropriate for the types ofusers that the machine is made to accommodate.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the components included in the exemplarymachine 10. In the exemplary arrangement, the machine includes a circuit38. Although one circuit is shown, it should be understood thatexemplary machines may include a plurality of circuits. Thereforereference to a circuit herein will also be deemed to include a pluralityof operatively connected circuits. In the exemplary arrangement, circuit38 is a processor circuit including at least one processor chip or chipsets 40 that are operative to execute computer executable instructions.The circuit 40 includes at least one data store 42. Data store 42includes one or more types of suitable storage media. Such data storagemedia may include computer readable data and computer executableinstructions which may include non-transitory computer executableinstructions that constitute programs for operating the machine. Itshould be understood that such data stores may include suitable machinereadable mediums including solid state storage medium, magnetic storagemedium, optical storage medium, random access memory, programmableread-only memory, hard drive storage memory or other suitable memorymedium that can store computer executable instructions and data.

Further it should be understood that the circuit 38 may include suitablecircuits and components in the form of electronic hardware, software andcomponents to carry out the functions described herein. Such circuitrymay include circuits including, for example, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), solidstate microprocessors, organic microprocessors or similar devices thatare suitable for carrying out the functions described herein. Structuresfor processor circuits may include, correspond to and utilize theprinciples described in the textbook entitled MicroprocessorArchitecture, Programming and Application with the 8085, Ramush S.Gaonker (Prentice Hall 2002) which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety. Of course it should be understood that theseprocessors, circuit structures and other structures are exemplary and inother embodiments, other circuit structures for storing, processing,resolving and outputting signals may be used. Processor circuits and thelike may alternatively be referred to herein as circuits, circuitry orprocessors.

In the exemplary arrangement, the circuit 38 is in operative connectionwith one or more buses 44. Suitable buses are used to communicate withthe input and output devices previously mentioned. As represented inFIG. 2, the circuit 38 communicates with the display 14 through a driverinterface 46. A touch screen interface 48 is utilized for communicationwith the touch detection overlay 16. A keypad interface 50 is utilizedto communicate with the keypad 18. The bar code reader 24 communicateswith the circuit 38 through aninterface 52. An audio interface 54 isused to provide communication with the headphone jack 22 or wirelessaudio port or other item suitable to communicate with headphonesschematically indicated 56 or other device that is utilized to provideoutputs to the machine user.

The binary input device interface 36 is in communication with the one ormore circuits 38 through an interface 58. The eye tracking camera orcameras 34 communicate via an interface 60. Of course it should beunderstood that the types of interfaces utilized varies with theparticular type of input and output device and that the interfaces andthe devices themselves may include processor circuitry and othercircuitry that is included in this component of the machine for purposesof carrying out the indicated functions. Further, it should beunderstood that these devices and interfaces are exemplary and in otherembodiments, other arrangements may be used.

The exemplary machine 10 that operates responsive at least in part todata bearing records, further includes a network interface 62. Inexemplary embodiments the network interface 62 may include a suitablenetwork interface card and/or chip sets for providing wired or wirelesscommunications from the machine with a network schematically indicated64. In some exemplary arrangements, the network 64 may comprise one ormore local networks which enable the machine to communicate with acomputer schematically indicated 66 that receives the totals of userselections or other information from the machine. In other arrangements,the machine 10 may be connectable through wide area networks so as toenable the delivery of user selection results from the machine to aremote facility where results may be tallied. Of course it should beunderstood that in some arrangements both local and wide area networksmay be employed or intermediate computers and other equipment may beutilized for purposes of accumulating results from multiple machines anddelivering such results to a remote facility. Of course in sucharrangements appropriate steps are taken to secure the communicationsand encrypt the data so as to prevent unauthorized interception ortampering therewith.

In the exemplary embodiment the machine 10 is programmed with suitablecircuit executable instructions to cause the machine to provide from theoutput devices, user selection options for user selections in contestswhich the user is eligible to select. This may include, for example, inthe case where the machine is operated as a voting terminal, options tovote for or against tax levies, referendums or other questions that maybe presented to voters. In other situations the contests may include avote for public office between multiple candidates. In still otherarrangements, the voter contest selection options that are presentedthrough the output devices may include numerous candidates for officesfor which the voter is entitled to vote for a plurality of thecandidates. In some exemplary arrangements where the machine is used toprovide customer experience or customer satisfaction feedback, usercontest selection options may include selections related to products orservices the user has received or may wish to receive, customerexperience ratings or other contest options that are presented to theuser and which the user is enabled to select. In other arrangements themachine may be used to receive user selected contest options for awards,such as voting for athletes to be named to an all star team or actors ormovies to receive awards. Of course it should be understood that thesecontest selection option scenarios are exemplary and in otherarrangements, other approaches may beused.

FIG. 6 shows an output screen 68 as representative of the format ofvoter selection content options that are output through the display 14.Screen 68 displays a plurality of candidates for which the voter isentitled to vote. As can be appreciated, the voter selection optionsgenerally indicated 70 would represent the actual names of thecandidates on actual ballots.

In response to the output voter contest selection options, the machineis operative to receive user contest selection inputs. Such inputs maybe presented through the particular input device being utilized by theuser. For example if the user is operating the machine to provide thevoter option selection inputs via the touch screen sensing overlay 16,the voter may provide a touch screen selection input by touching thescreen with a finger in the area corresponding to the particular optionfor which the voter wishes to vote. As shown in the screen portion shownin FIG. 6, the voter is shown as having provided a contest selectioninput related to candidate 4. The exemplary machine operates to indicatevia an icon 72, the user's contest option selection input. Of course itshould be understood that this approach is exemplary.

In other arrangements as the user operates the machine through othertypes of input devices, other types of inputs may be received. Forexample, in machines that may provide a display but not a touch screenoverlay, the user may operate the machine through use of the keypad 18.In such arrangements, the user may provide inputs to cause the displayto bring focus to a particular display object associated with a userselection contest option for a particular contest. This may include, forexample, highlighting a particular candidate name or voter selection.Highlighting the particular user selection option provides the user witha frame of reference concerning which they are able to provide a usercontest option selection input. In exemplary arrangements, the user mayoperate the keypad to scroll down a list of contest selection options soas to remove focus from one option and place focus on other options. Inexemplary arrangements, the user may provide an input through the keypador other input device so as to indicate the user contest selection of aparticular option. In response to the receipt of such an input, theexemplary machine provides an icon or other indication of the userselection similar to icon 72 previously discussed.

In exemplary embodiments, other input devices such as the binary inputdevice connected to interface 36 and/or the eye tracking cameras 34 maybe utilized to provide user inputs so as to make user contest optionselections. Of course this may be done for example in the case of a sipand puff device by applying mouth pressure or vacuum to a deviceoperated by the user. Other binary input devices such as a foot pedal orgel switch can be utilized to provide further inputs so as to makefurther contest option selections by pressure or other movement.Likewise eye tracking inputs such as gazing at a particular user contestselection and then selecting it via blinking or other suitable inputsmay be utilized.

Further as can be appreciated for blind users, the audio outputs may beprovided through the headphones 56 or other suitable output devices toinform the user of the user selection contest options. In sucharrangements the user may provide suitable inputs through at least oneinput device such as the keypad to indicate the user's contestselection. Further audio outputs may be utilized to advise a user of thecontest selections made so as to verify that the user has voted orotherwise made user selections as they wish. Of course these approachesare exemplary and in other arrangements, other approaches may be used.

In addition to outputting user contest selection options, the exemplarymachine also provides the user with machine instruction options. Thesemachine instruction options enable the user to control the operation ofthe machine so as to have presented to the user all of the differentuser selection contests and options for which they are entitled to makeselections, such as to cast a ballot. In addition, the screeninstruction options may be utilized to allow the user to change theirmind about the particular contest selection option that they wish toselect. Further machine instruction options enable the user to start themachine session and terminate the machine session and to enable themachine to perform the other functions associated with receiving userselections.

For example, in some exemplary embodiments the display outputs from thescreen indicia that instructs the user to start their machine session byinserting a data bearing record such as the card 32 into the card reader30. The user doing this starts the user's machine user session.Alternatively in other arrangements, the user may start the user sessionby having the user or an attendant such as a poll worker operate themachine to read a data bearing record such as a bar code from an articleor a ballot. Further in other arrangements, the user may start the usersession by providing inputs through one or more input devices of othertypes. Such an input represents a machine instruction input that causesthe machine to operate to carry out the programmed action whichcorresponds to the user input corresponding to a particular machineinstruction input.

Further examples of machine instruction options are represented inscreen 68 in FIG. 6. For example, screen 68 includes voter instructionoptions that enable a user to cancel a voting selection that they havemade in providing a contest option selection input. This may be done,for example, by a user selecting the cancel icon 74. Further machineinstruction options which are presented by the user in exemplary screen68 include the ability of the user to select an arrow icon 76. Icon 76is a forward arrow icon which when selected causes the machine topresent to the user a different display screen which includes outputs ofthe user contest selection options for the next user contest that is tobe presented to the user. This is a next voter contest in this exemplaryembodiment. The exemplary screen 68 further includes a back arrow icon78. The back arrow icon 78 enables a user to cause the machine to returnto presenting the user contest selection options from a prior usercontest that a user may wish to revisit for purposes of reviewing theirprior selection or changing a selection such as reviewing a vote orchanging their vote.

The exemplary output screen 68 in FIG. 6 further includes machineinstruction outputs which enable the user to provide an input indicatingthat they have completed making selections by providing a user machineinstruction input corresponding to the “done” icon 80. Generally inexemplary embodiments providing a user instruction input correspondingto the done icon will cause the machine to operate to present one ormore screens which advise the user of the contest selection inputs theyhave provided and ask the user if they wish to submit the selections asfinal such as to cast their ballot including those selections. Furthermachine instruction inputs from the user enable the user's selections orballot to be finally recorded with those selections. Another machineinstruction output option which a user may select is shown in screen 68includes a help icon 82. Input of a machine input which corresponds tothe selection of the help icon causes the exemplary embodiment toprovide the user with information and a tutorial on the operation of themachine. Of course it should be understood that these machineinstructions option outputs are only a subset of those which may begenerally offered in an exemplary machine.

For example in some exemplary embodiments, the user is offered machineinstruction options related to canceling their user session, which auser may select if they have determined that they do not wish to provideselections or if there is some problem that results in the user wantingto discontinue their session without their selections being recorded.Alternatively as previously discussed, the user session can end with themachine presenting to the user, a machine instruction option to casttheir ballot or otherwise make their input selections final. The userproviding a machine instruction input in response to such an outputcauses the user's contest selections as input to the machine to berecorded as final selections such as votes. Further in still otherembodiments where the machine is operated to mark user's contestselections on a data bearing record such as a paper ballot, the user mayprovide a machine instruction input which causes a printer such as theprinter 28 to produce a paper ballot with the indicated selections oralternatively in some arrangements, to mark the user's contestselections as input to the machine on the user's pre-printed paperballot.

Of course it should be understood that these types of machineinstruction output options which are presented to a user at a machineand the actions carried out by the machine in response to user inputsselecting such options are exemplary. In other types of machines andapparatus, different types of machine instruction options and userinputs may be provided. For example in some arrangements, the user maybe able to move display objects such as candidate names or other optionsin selected positions by scrolling the screen on the display. In otherexemplary arrangements, the user may be able to move display objects todifferent positions on the display to indicate the user's contestselections. Various different options may be presented depending on theparticular configuration of the machine that is utilized.

In the exemplary embodiment the machine is not only operative to recordthe user's contest option selection inputs but also to record incorrelated relation therewith user/machine interaction data which occursduring the user's session. In the exemplary embodiment, the user/machineinteraction data includes data that describes each interaction that theuser has with the machine during their user session. The data alsoincludes records of the output user selection options and machineinstruction options that are presented to the user in response to whichthe user has provided their user inputs.

In the exemplary embodiment, the circuit 38 includes a timer 84 whichmay be integral with the processor chip 40 or a separate circuitcomponent. The timer 84 provides a time indication associated with eachuser/machine interaction event during the user session. In the exemplaryarrangement, the timer 84 is operative to indicate an elapsed time fromthe start of the user's session when each user/machine interaction eventoccurred.

In the exemplary embodiment, the user/machine interaction data isrecorded and stored during the user session so that every userinteraction with the machine is documented. Further, the user/machineinteraction data is stored in correlated relation after the user sessionwith the user selections that in the exemplary arrangement correspond tothe votes cast by the user during a voting session. In the exemplaryarrangement, the user/machine interaction data and the user contestselection data are stored in at least one data store in the machine in asecure and encrypted manner to prevent tampering. Further, as laterdiscussed, the data files including the user/machine interaction data aswell as the user contest selection data is digitally signed throughoperation of the circuitry 38 with a private key portion of anasymmetric key pair to help insure the integrity of the data and that ithas not been tampered with as well as to verify that the data wasproduced by the particular machine. Of course these approaches toassuring the integrity and origin of the data are exemplary and in otherarrangements, other approaches may be used.

In an exemplary arrangement, the user/machine interaction data includesfor each user/machine interaction the elapsed time that the interactionoccurs after the start of the user session. This is determined throughoperation of the timer 84. The exemplary user/machine interaction datafor each interaction event further includes output data. The output dataidentifies at least one output from the at least one output deviceresponsive to which the particular user input was received. Thisincludes for example, in the case of a visual screen that is displayedon the display of the machine, the particular screen identifierassociated with which the user selection input was received. Forexample, in exemplary embodiments, the output data for a screen mayinclude a ballot style, a geographic area such as a precinct, and/ordata which identifies the particular voting contest or display objectthat is output to a user in response to which the user input has beenreceived.

Further, in some exemplary embodiments, the accuracy of the output datathat is recorded as having been provided to a user is further verifiableby the circuitry calculating and storing one or more mathematicalresults produced using values of the output data, such as processorinstructions that cause the output to be presented to the user. Forexample, in some exemplary arrangements, the circuitry may operate tocalculate a mathematical result based on the instructions and pixelvalues such as a sum of certain pixel values which cause the outputscreen presented to the user. The mathematical result which may bealternatively referred to as a checksum, uniquely corresponds to theparticular output screen. Because the mathematical result is recorded aspart of the output data and is associated with the user/machine userinteraction data, it can be verified that the indicated output screenpresented to the user that in response to which the user provided a usercontest selection input, is the output screen that the machine wasprogrammed to present to the user. This data can be used to confirm theuser did not provide their user contest selection input in response tosome different screen output. Of course it should be understood thatthis output data is exemplary and in other arrangements, other types ofoutput data may be included in the user/machine interaction data.

Other data that is recorded as part of the user/machine interaction datain the exemplary embodiment is input data describing the userinteraction with the respective input device to cause the detected userinput. In exemplary arrangements involving a touch screen, the inputdata may include location data corresponding to a location of userfinger contact with the touch screen overlay. In exemplary arrangements,the location data may include data corresponding to x, y coordinates atlocations on the face of the display. Further in exemplary arrangements,the location data may include display screen offset data of the displayscreen output or a display object associated with the input data. Thedisplay screen offset data may correspond to a scrolled position of theparticular display screen that is output at the time that the userselection input is received. This may apply, for example, in somearrangements where the user is enabled to scroll or move the screen ordisplay elements within the screen in the course of making their userselections. Recording the offset data enables determining the exactorientation of the screen or object on the display at the time the userprovided their user input. This enables recording of exactly what outputconfiguration was being presented through the display of the particularscreen when the user provided their user input and thereby to determinehow the user's contact with the screen correlates to what was beingoutput therefrom.

Likewise in other arrangements where input devices such as a keypad isbeing utilized in connection with providing input data, the input datadescribing the user interaction which is generated and stored as part ofthe user/machine interaction data may include button data. The buttondata may indicate the particular button or buttons that are manuallyactuated by the user. In such arrangements, the machine user interactiondata includes records specifying the button that is actuated and thetime associated with the button actuation. Similarly, in otherarrangements, for example when a bar code reader is being used as theinput device, the input data may include data corresponding to theparticular bar code that is read from a data bearing record as well asthe elapsed time in the user session which corresponds thereto.Similarly in the case of an input device in the form of a card readerthat reads a data bearing record such as a card to start the usersession, the input data includes the card data that is read. The carddata in the case of a card that is used to commence a user session willbe associated with a zero elapsed time in the user session.

Likewise, with other input devices such as devices that are connected tothe binary input interface, data concerning inputs is recorded. Forexample for a sip and puff input device, the input data may include eachsensed input provided by the user providing mouth pressure or vacuum tothe device. The user/machine interaction data indicates the time andnature of each detected sip and puff input which is correlatable withthe output data to which such inputs are received. Other types of inputdata may be recorded for other types of binary input devices. Likewise,for machines that include eye tracking cameras or similar devices, datacorresponding to the user's actions such as eye positions, time lengthof gaze at a particular contest selection option, or visual outputobject, blinking activity or other event which corresponds to input datathat can be detected by the machine, is included therein. Of course itshould be understood that these approaches are exemplary for the typesof input devices that are described, and other embodiments may includeother input data describing the user's interaction with the respectiveinput device to cause the detected user input to be recorded as part ofthe user/machine interaction data.

Further in exemplary embodiments, the user/machine interaction dataincludes action data. The action data describes a resulting action takenby the at least one circuit of the machine responsive to the particularuser input. The action data may include, for example, the activity ofthe machine gaining or losing focus of a particular contest selectionoption in response to a user selection. In addition, the action data mayinclude the user making a selection or a deselection to change theoutputs from the machine to present the user with a new set of outputuser contest selection options. Further in exemplary arrangements theaction taken by the circuitry may include actions such as to record useroption selection inputs that are currently posted to the machine as userselections such as votes. Other action data may be for the circuitry tooperate to cancel the user session in cases where a user has providedinput data electing to cancel the session. For machines that operate toprint or mark data bearing paper records such as paper ballots, theaction data may include the operation of the circuit causing the machineto print a paper ballot including indicia corresponding to the useroption selection inputs. Of course it should be understood that theseaction data items are exemplary and in other arrangements otherapproaches may be used.

FIGS. 3 and 4 include a high level schematic logic flow carried out byan exemplary machine operating to record user contest option selectionsin correlated relation with user/machine interaction data. Asrepresented in FIG. 3, the circuit 38 operates to detect a user input tothe machine as represented by a step 86. In response to the detection ofa user input at step 86, the machine circuitry then operates to make adetermination as to whether the type of sensed user input corresponds toan input which starts a user session. This may correspond to reading ofa data bearing record such as the input of a card into a card reader, orthe reading of a bar code, or some other user input or combination ofinputs as previously discussed. The determination as to whether theinput is one which starts a session is reflected by a step 88. If thedetected input is one which starts the session, the machine circuitryoperates to assign a session ID value to the user session as reflectedin a step 90. The circuitry operates to store the user session ID in asession file or otherwise in memory in the at least one data store 42.The circuitry is also operative to start operation of the elapsed timer84. This is represented by a step 92.

Regardless of whether the sensed user input corresponds to an input thatstarts a user session, the circuitry operates to determine theuser/machine interaction data corresponding to the input. As previouslydiscussed, in the exemplary embodiment the user/machine interaction datafor each input includes the elapsed time since the start of the usersession as determined through the operation of the timer 84. Theuser/machine interaction data further includes the output dataidentifying the at least one output from the operative output deviceresponsive to which the user input was received, as well as input datadescribing the user interaction with the respective input device tocause the detected user input. The exemplary user/machine interactiondata further includes action data describing a resulting action taken bythe at least one circuit 38 responsive to the user input. Thedetermination of the user/machine interaction data is represented by astep 94. Once the user/machine interaction data for the particular eventis determined, the at least one circuit 38 is operative to cause theuser/machine interaction data to be stored in the at least one datastore in the session file related to the particular user sessionassociated with the assigned session ID. The storage of the user/machineinteraction data in the session file is represented by a step 96.

As represented in FIG. 4, the circuitry 38 next operates in accordancewith its associated executable instruction programming to evaluatewhether the received user input corresponds to a user contest optionselection. This is represented by a step 98. The user contest optionselection for example, may correspond to a vote for the particularoption in cases where the user does not change the selection prior toending the user session in a manner that casts the user's ballot.Because the selection at least on a preliminary basis may eventuallyrepresent a vote, the data corresponding to the contest data selectionis caused to be stored in a contest data file for the session asrepresented by a step 100. Of course as previously discussed, theprogramming of the exemplary embodiments enables users to review andchange contest selection options in accordance with user inputs inresponse to machine instruction options that are presented to the user.It should be understood that while these particular actions by the atleast one circuit 38 are not represented in this simplified logic flow,such options are provided to the user in exemplary embodiments.

The circuitry then operates to determine if received user inputcorresponds to a termination input. This is represented at a step 102. Atermination input corresponds to an input to end the user's session.This includes, for example, a user input that cancels the user's votingsession without casting any votes. The termination input may alsoinclude an input by a user to indicate that they are done and wish tomake their selections final such as by casting their ballot with votingselection options that they have selected through operation of themachine. For some types of machines, such as those that are operative toprint the user's selections on a paper record such as paper ballot, atermination input may also include an instruction to print the user'sselections on the paper ballot. Of course it should be understood thatin various embodiments, other different types of termination inputs mayapply.

If in a step 102 it is determined that the currently resolved user inputis not a termination input, the logic flow returns to the beginning withthe circuitry continuing to operate to sense the next user input to themachine. The process repeats, entering the user/machine interaction dataand the time associated therewith for each sensed user input to themachine during the user session. Of course if the user input correspondsto a selection of a user contest selection option, then the input isrecorded in the contest data file as selection data related to acontest. It should be appreciated that the contest data file alsoincludes the session ID of the exemplary embodiment which, as can beappreciated, enables the later correlation of the recorded user'scontest selections with the user/machine interactions that occurredduring the user session.

If in the step 102 the input that is received from the user correspondsto a termination input, the exemplary circuitry is operative to stop thetimer from further counting time as part of the user session. This isrepresented by a step 104.

In the exemplary arrangement, the at least one circuit 38 is operativeto encrypt the content of the data files which include the user'sselections such as votes (if such selections or votes are recorded) aswell as the user/machine interaction data. Of course it should beunderstood that if the user session has been cancelled, there will be nocontest selection data corresponding to user elections and the contestdata file will include no user selections or votes. Nonetheless inexemplary arrangements, the user/machine interaction data file will bemaintained and stored in correlated relation with the contest data filewhich includes only the session ID. Of course these approaches areexemplary.

With the user/machine interaction data files and contest selection filesnow complete, the files are encrypted as represented at the step 106 andstored at a step 108. Thereafter the encrypted files are digitallysigned as represented by step 110. In exemplary embodiments the machinehas stored in the data store associated therewith, one or more publicand private keys which correspond to asymmetric key pairs. Suchasymmetric key pairs enable data encrypted using the private key of thepair to be decrypted only by the corresponding public key of the pair,and vice versa. In exemplary arrangements, the circuitry is operative toencrypt the user/machine interaction data and the contest selection datausing asymmetric key encryption so that the file may only be decryptedby an authorized computer which has been provided access to thecorresponding public key. Further the signature process represented bystep 110 corresponds to digitally signing the encrypted files throughmathematical manipulation with the private key portion of the asymmetrickey. This process enables the recipient of the file to further verifythe genuineness of the file and that the data was generated by theparticular machine by verifying the signature through communicationswith a certificate authority which issued the key. The certificateauthority is able to assure the recipient of the file that the signatureapplied thereto is genuine because it corresponds to the signing dataissued by the certificate authority. This further helps to assure thatreceived files including the data were originated by the machine andhave not been tampered with. Of course it should be understood that thisapproach is exemplary and in other embodiments, other or additionalprocesses may be utilized to insure the integrity of the data.

As represented in a step 110, the exemplary logic flow is completed withthe circuit 38 operating to store and digitally sign the user/machineinteraction data files for the session and the contest selectionsrecorded as data bearing records in the at least one data store 42 ofthe machine. These exemplary files are stored in correlated relation byvirtue of both files including the session identifier associated withthe particular user session. Of course as can be appreciated in thisexemplary embodiment, the session identifier includes no data that canbe used to identify the particular user. Likewise in the exemplaryarrangement, the timer 84 operates as an elapsed timer which appliesonly to time since the initiation of the particular user session. Thetime data of the exemplary arrangement does not provide the current timeof day data so as to enable someone to determine the identity of theparticular machine user. Of course it should be understood that theseapproaches are exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches maybe used.

FIG. 5 shows some examples of the user/machine interaction data that maybe stored in the session file and how it is interpreted. For example,the user/machine interaction data that is represented by data element112 includes a series of alphanumeric values arranged in accordance withthe programming of the circuit 38. The alphanumeric values asrepresented correspond to output data for Ballot Style 2 presented forPrecinct 456 and Contest ID 132. This output data value indicates whatoutput the machine was presenting to the user at the time of the userinteraction event. The next value included in the data element which isseparated by a colon represents the time since the start of the usersession that the particular event occurred. In this case, the event isrecorded by the timer as 10.865 seconds after the initiation of theparticular user session.

The next value included in the data element 112 corresponds to the inputdata for the particular event. In this case, a touch screen interface isbeing used and the input data described for the user interaction withthe touch screen input device corresponds to a touch at x,y coordinates234/789. This describes the exact location on the touch screen where theuser provided the contact with the display. Also included with the inputdata is an indication that at the time that this input data wasreceived, there was no scroll offset associated with the screen datathat was being presented.

The action data associated with the data element 112 indicates theselection event. The selection event as represented by the letter “x”indicates that the action taken by the circuitry is a rejection eventand that the machine reacted in response thereto. This collection ofuser/machine interaction data provides sufficient information toindicate the screen display that was being output to the user at thetime of the selection, the time since the session start when the userprovided the input, the location of the input on the touch screen, andwhat the machine did or recorded in response to the input. It should beunderstood that the data included in the data element 112 is exemplaryand in other embodiments, additional data such as checksum values orother verification information for the output screen or other availabledata which caused the machine to recognize the user inputs, may also beincluded in the user/machine interaction data.

Data element 114 represents another example of an element ofuser/machine interaction data. In this particular example, the elementis associated with operation of the machine where output data isprovided through a screen and input data is provided through a keypad.As represented under the data element 114 in FIG. 5, the output dataidentifying the output from the screen at the time of the userinteraction, corresponds to Ballot Style 2, Precinct 456 and a ContestID of 245. The user interaction with the machine occurred 20.5 secondsafter the user session was initiated. The input data corresponds to abutton scroll down input to a scroll button on a keypad. The option datadescribing the resulting machine action for this data element was forthe machine to provide focus on item 4 in the list of selection optionsoutput to the screen. Of course as previously discussed, the elementsfor the user/machine interaction data are exemplary and in otherembodiments, other approaches may be used.

FIGS. 6 and 7 contain graphic representations of the screen outputs froma machine and the user/machine interaction data and contest selectiondata which may be recorded in connection with the user operation of theexemplary machine. In this exemplary arrangement, the machine isoperated with input devices that include both a touch screen and akeypad. In this exemplary arrangement, the user is enabled to navigatethe display screen 68 using both a keypad and a touch screen. This isrepresented herein for purposes of providing an example which explainsthe user/machine interaction data that may be associated with multipleinput devices. Generally in most embodiments, a user will utilize oneinput device for navigating and providing user selection option inputsto the machine.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6 includes the user/machineinteraction data associated with screen 68 in a graphic filerepresentation 116. This may be done by circuit executable instructionswhich provide a graphic rendering of user/machine interaction data. Theuser's contest options are represented in a graphic file representation118. The file representations 116 and 118 in FIG. 6 corresponding to agraphic rendering of the raw data such as the examples data elements 112and 114 previously described which are included in the user/machineinteraction data files.

The exemplary file representations 116 and 118 may be renderedresponsive to the stored data files and may be generated in connectionwith activities such as auditing the accuracy of the machine so as toassure that a user's inputs are properly recorded as sections by themachine such as votes. Alternatively or in addition, the graphicrepresentations that are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be generated andanalyzed in connection with an audit activity, for example, a recountfor a particular voting race. In such situations it is desired to reviewuser interactions with the machine to verify that the machine properlyrecorded a user's contest option selection inputs as votes, and in caseswhere a vote was not recorded, that the user did not provide an input tothe machine that represents an intent by the user to cast a vote whichwas not recorded by the machine as a vote. In exemplary arrangements,the executable instructions that comprise the rendering tool thatproduces the graphics and markings shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in somearrangements may be operative on the machine through the programmingassociated with the circuitry 38. In other arrangements, theinstructions comprising the rendering tool may be operative on aseparate computer or other device which receives the files from themachine and which is used for purposes of conducting an audit functionsuch as a recount. Further it should be appreciated that in theexemplary arrangement, the machine and/or audit or recount computer maybe operative to selectively provide and render the user/machineinteraction data for only selected user selection contests. In thismanner, a recount or audit may be conducted only for the particularcontest which is subject to the audit or recount.

As represented in FIG. 6, the exemplary programmed instructions whichpresent the graphic representations 116 and 118 shows a sequence of userinteractions with the machine. As represented by the output in filerepresentation 116, the contest which corresponds to screen 68 waspresented to the user at 34.5 seconds after the initiation of the usersession. The user interacted with the touch screen by touching at thex,y coordinates corresponding to list object 1, which in this example iscandidate 1. Thereafter, the user touched the touch screen again todeselect candidate 1. The graphic outputs then show that the userutilized the keypad to scroll down twice past candidates 2 and 3 listed,and then provided a touch screen input which corresponds to theselection of candidate number 4. After selecting candidate number 4, theuser then selected icon 76 to cause the machine to move to displaycontest selections for the next contest. The graphic file representation118 further shows that for this contest A, the contest selection fileshows that the user cast their vote for candidate number 4.

Also in the exemplary arrangement, programmed instructions associatedwith the rendering tool are operative to provide a sequential graphicalrepresentation of the user's actions in connection with the outputscreen. This is shown overlaid on screen 68. The information showncorresponds to the user initially selecting via the touch screen the x,ycoordinates of candidate 1, deselecting candidate 1, scrolling inresponse to button inputs past candidate 2 and candidate 3. Thereafter,the graphical representation shows the user provided a touch screeninput corresponding to the selection of candidate 4. In accordance withthe rendering tool, arrows indicate the sequence of events as they occurand the star icon indicates the user selection. The rendering toolfurther provides outputs on a display which indicates via the arrow thatafter making the user selection, the user selection to move on to othercontests by touching the next page icon.

As represented in FIG. 7, the exemplary embodiment further enables therendering of additional information regarding each user/machineinteraction that is reflected in the file representation 116. Forexample in this exemplary arrangement, a reviewing user is enabled tohighlight each particular entry that corresponds to an event in theuser/machine interaction data. In response to selecting the particularevent, additional information is provided graphically in correspondingrelation with the graphical representation of the event on the display68.

In this exemplary arrangement, a reviewing user selects the event whichis the deselection of list object 1 which is candidate 1. In response tothese activities, the computer executable instructions corresponding tothe rendering tool cause a graphic to appear associated with the graphicfeature which corresponds to the event. This is represented by thegraphic bubble 120. Graphic bubble 120 provides the user/machineinteraction data for the particular selected event in the sequence.Specifically, in the case of the deselection event, the bubble indicatesthe touch coordinates by the user which are represented by (x, y) in thegraphic. The bubble also includes the elapsed time in the user sessionwhen the deselection event occurred. The bubble further indicates theaction corresponding to the event which is the deselection of object 1or candidate 1. Such data is available through operation of theexemplary rendering tool for each user/machine interaction for whichdata is recorded by the machine. Of course it should be understood thatthis approach to providing the user/machine interaction data andfacilitating the corresponding user actions to which the data relates,is exemplary and in other embodiments, other approaches may be used.

As can be appreciated, the recording by the machine of the user/machineinteraction data of the exemplary embodiment, facilitates reviews of thesequence of what the machine did and the user did in the course ofoperation. The recording of this data enables verifying that the machinepresented the proper user contest option selections to the user forconsideration, and how the user provided inputs in response thereto. Theexemplary machine further enables a review of how the user operated themachine in connection with the user session and enables verifying thatthe user selections were properly recorded, or enables identifying anydiscrepancies. The exemplary arrangement enables ensuring proper machineoperation and may reduce uncertainty as to the correct recording of userselections through operation of the machine. Of course these approachesthat are described are exemplary and in other embodiments, otherapproaches consistent with the teachings presented herein may be used.

In other exemplary embodiments machines may be configured to capture andrecord data which can be used to help assure that one individual did notconduct undesirable activity such as voting multiple times in the sameelection. In such arrangements, the at least one circuit of theexemplary machine includes circuit executable instructions which operateto cause a camera, such as an eye tracking camera or other cameraassociated with the machine, to capture image data corresponding to atleast a portion of each user conducting a using session at the machine.In exemplary arrangements the machine may operate to cause image data tobe captured responsive to one or more inputs provided by the user to aninput device of the machine. This may be for example, a user input whichcommences the user session or an input which finalizes the selectionssuch as for example, the casting of votes in the particular votingsession. In other exemplary arrangements multiple images of a user maybe captured during a user session responsive to user inputs and/orresponsive to other parameters such as elapsed time values. Such imagesmay be combined or otherwise utilized to produce image data thatuniquely corresponds to the particular user.

In some exemplary arrangements, the image data may correspond to afacial image of the user. In other arrangements the image data maycorrespond to an image of an iris of one or both eyes of the user, animage of one or more fingerprints or other visual or sensor perceivablebiometric data that is uniquely associated with the particularindividual. In some exemplary arrangements the circuit instructions mayoperate to capture multiple images to assure that the images capturedare associated with a live individual by detecting for movement, changesin facial expression or other features of the individual to assure thatthe images captured are not of a photograph or of a mask. In otherexemplary arrangements, the executable instructions may operate tocapture image data that can be used to assure that facial features arecaptured which cannot be obscured by readily changed items such asglasses, hats, makeup, hairstyles, shadows or other features which mightotherwise result in not capturing image data that uniquely identifies aparticular individual. Of course these approaches are exemplary andother or additional techniques may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment the executable instructions associated withthe at least one circuit are operative to produce a mathematical resultbased on the image data. The mathematical result uniquely corresponds tothe image of the particular voter. The result may be produced bymathematical operations using pixel data or other image data associatedwith one or more captured images. Such image data may also be subject toprocesses to enhance the contrast or other properties of the image orimages to help assure that the image data accurately reflects theappearance of a selected portion of the individual. In some arrangementsthe mathematical result may be produced by analyzing all or selectedportions of the pixel data or other values which make up the image data.The exemplary arrangements are operative to produce a result thatuniquely corresponds to the image data associated with the particularuser who conducts the user session.

In exemplary arrangements the at least one circuit of the machine isoperative to cause the result to be stored in the at least one datastore associated with the machine circuitry. The result is stored incorrelated relation with the user selections and the user/machineinteraction data that corresponds to the particular user session. Inexemplary arrangements the result data may also be subject to encryptionand digital signing techniques like those previously discussed to helpto assure that the data is genuine and has not been subject totampering.

In exemplary arrangements where the machine is operative to receive userselections such as votes that are cast as a secret ballot, theapproaches utilized to produce the result data are configured to assurethat the result data cannot be used to determine the identity,appearance or other features of the individual who cast the associatedvotes. This is accomplished in exemplary arrangements by utilizingmathematical manipulations of the image data to produce a result thatcannot be reversed or otherwise analyzed to resolve the identity of theparticular individual who cast the associated votes.

In exemplary arrangements the at least one circuit associated with themachine, or a separate computing device, may be utilized for purposes ofverifying based on the stored result data, that each user sessionconducted at the machine was carried out by a different individual.Further in exemplary arrangements where an authorizing authority such asa jurisdiction utilizes the same approaches for producing results fromuser sessions carried out at each of a plurality of machines in thejurisdiction, the data can be analyzed to verify that no individualvoted more than one time in a particular contest or election atdifferent machines. Generally except in rare situations where identicaltwins have voted in the same contest or election, the exemplary systemwill operate to verify that each user session was carried out by adifferent individual. Of course in situations where it appears that anindividual conducted multiple user sessions, the suspect impropriety orvoter fraud may be identified by the computer identifying the sameresult being associated with multiple user sessions, and thecircumstances thereof can be investigated. Of course these approachesare exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

Thus the exemplary machine that is controlled at least in part to databearing records and its methods of operation that have been describedherein achieve desirable capabilities, eliminate difficultiesencountered in the use of prior devices and systems and attain theuseful results described herein.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used in connectionwith describing the exemplary embodiments for purposes of brevity,clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the innovationsrepresented are not limited to the particular features shown anddescribed.

Further it should be understood that elements, features, relationships,devices or other aspects described in connection with one exemplaryembodiment may be utilized in connection with other exemplaryembodiments such that numerous different arrangements, functions andcapabilities can be carried out. Numerous different aspects of describedembodiments may be used together or in different combinations to achieveuseful results.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theexemplary embodiments, the manner in which they are constructed andoperated, and the advantages and useful results attained, the new anduseful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations,systems, equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships areset forth in the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus that operates responsive to at least in part todata bearing records comprising: a machine including, at least oneoutput device operative to output a plurality of user selectable contestselection options and machine instruction options, at least one inputdevice operative to receive from users a plurality of user inputs, theuser inputs including user option selection inputs and user machineinstruction inputs, at least one circuit in operative connection with atleast one data store, wherein the at least one circuit is in operativeconnection with the at least one output device and the at least oneinput device, wherein the at least one circuit includes a timer, whereinthe at least one circuit is operative to cause the timer to beginelapsed time operation responsive at least in part to at least oneinstruction input through the at least one input device corresponding toa user session start, output through the at least one output device,user contest selection options and machine instruction options, recorduser option selection inputs received through the at least one inputdevice, change outputs of possible user contest selection options andmachine instruction options through the at least one output deviceresponsive at least in part to machine instruction inputs, determine foreach user input, user/machine interaction data associated with therespective user input including: output data identifying at least oneoutput from the at least one output device responsive to which the userinput is received, input data describing the user interaction with therespective input device to cause the detected user input, an elapsedtime since start of the user session at which the user input wasreceived, store user selections and the user/machine interaction datacorresponding to the user session in correlated relation in the at leastone data store.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein theuser/machine interaction data further includes action data describing aresulting action taken by the at least one circuit responsive to therespective user input.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein theat least one output device comprises a display, wherein the output dataincludes at least one output screen identifier.
 4. The apparatusaccording to claim 3 wherein the at least one output screen identifiercorresponds to at least one of a ballot style, a geographic area, avoting contest.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the atleast one output device comprises a display, wherein at least one outputuser contest selection option is presented in an output screen, whereinthe output data includes a mathematical result of values included indata instructions operative to cause the output screen to be outputthrough the display.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein theat least one input device comprises a touch screen, wherein the inputdata includes location data corresponding to a location of user contactwith the touch screen.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein theat least one input device comprises a keypad including a plurality ofmanually actuatable buttons, wherein the input data includes button datacorresponding to a manually actuated button of the keypad.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one input deviceincludes a bar code reader, wherein the input data includes a read barcode.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the output usercontest selection options include a display object, wherein the actiondata includes one of the display object gaining focus or the displayobject losing focus.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein theoutput device is operative to output a first user contest selectionoption, wherein the action data includes one of selection of the firstuser contest selection option or deselection of the first user contestselection option.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10 whereinselection of the first user contest selection option corresponds to avote for the first user contest selection option.
 12. The apparatusaccording to claim 2 wherein the at least one output device is operativeto output a machine instruction option, and the action data correspondsto the machine carrying out the machine instruction.
 13. The apparatusaccording to claim 2 wherein the at least one output device is operativeto output a machine instruction option, and the action data correspondsto the machine carrying out the machine instruction, wherein the machineinstruction corresponds to at least one of the machine presenting newuser contest selection options through the output device, at least oneuser selection option input being cast as a vote, the user session beingcancelled, printing indicia on a paper ballot corresponding to the atleast one user option selection input.
 14. The apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the at least one circuit is operative to cause the timerto stop responsive to the user input corresponding to a termination ofthe user session.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the atleast one circuit is operative to cause the user/machine interactiondata to be at least one of encrypted and signed using at least oneprivate key.
 16. Apparatus comprising: a voting machine including: atleast one output device operative to output a plurality of selectablevoter contest selection options and machine instruction options, atleast one input device operative to receive voter inputs from votersincluding voter contest selection inputs and machine instruction inputs,at least one circuit in operative connection with at least one datastore, wherein the at least one circuit is in operative connection withthe at least one input device and the at least one output device,wherein the at least one circuit includes at least one timer, whereinthe at least one circuit is operative to cause storage in the at leastone data store of voter selection data corresponding to voter contestselection inputs received from voters, storage in the at least one datastore of user/machine interaction data for at least one voter inputincluding output data identifying a corresponding output from the atleast one output device responsive to which the respective voter inputis received, input data describing the user interaction with therespective input device which causes the detected voter input, time dataassociated with a receipt of the respective voter input as determined bythe at least one timer, action data identifying a resulting action takenby the at least one circuit responsive at least in part to receipt ofthe voter input.
 17. An apparatus that operates responsive to at leastin part to data bearing records, comprising: a machine including, atleast one output device operative to output a plurality of userselectable contest selection options and machine instruction options, atleast one input device operative to receive from users a plurality ofuser inputs, the user inputs including user option selection inputs anduser machine instruction inputs, at least one circuit in operativeconnection with at least one data store, wherein the at least onecircuit is in operative connection with the at least one output deviceand the at least one input device, wherein the at least one circuitincludes a timer, wherein the at least one circuit is operative to causethe timer to begin elapsed time operation responsive at least in part toat least one instruction input through the at least one input devicecorresponding to a user session start, output through the at least oneoutput device, user contest selection options and machine instructionoptions, record user option selection inputs received through the atleast one input device, change outputs of possible user contestselection options and machine instruction options through the at leastone output device responsive at least in part to machine instructioninputs, determine for each user input, user/machine interaction dataassociated with the respective user input including: output dataidentifying at least one output from the at least one output deviceresponsive to which the user input is received, input data describingthe user interaction with the respective input device to cause thedetected user input, and an elapsed time since start of the user sessionat which the user input was received, store user selections and theuser/machine interaction data corresponding to the user session incorrelated relation in the at least one data store, cause the timer tostop responsive to a user input corresponding to a termination of theuser session, wherein the user input corresponding to termination of theuser session corresponds to at least one of an input causingcancellation of the user session, an input causing at least one vote tobe cast, and an input causing indicia to be printed on a paper ballot.18. An apparatus that operates responsive to at least in part to databearing records, comprising: a machine including, at least one outputdevice operative to output a plurality of user selectable contestselection options and machine instruction options, at least one inputdevice operative to receive from users a plurality of user inputs, theuser inputs including user option selection inputs and user machineinstruction inputs, a camera, at least one circuit in operativeconnection with at least one data store, wherein the at least onecircuit is in operative connection with the at least one output device,the at least one input device and the camera, wherein the at least onecircuit includes a timer, wherein the at least one circuit is operativeto cause the timer to begin elapsed time operation responsive at leastin part to at least one instruction input through the at least one inputdevice corresponding to a user session start, output through the atleast one output device, user contest selection options and machineinstruction options, record user option selection inputs receivedthrough the at least one input device, the camera to operate to captureimage data corresponding to an image of a portion of a user who providesat least one input to at least one input device during the user session,a mathematical result to be produced using the image data, wherein theresult uniquely corresponds to the image, change outputs of possibleuser contest selection options and machine instruction options throughthe at least one output device responsive at least in part to machineinstruction inputs, determine for each user input, user/machineinteraction data associated with the respective user input including:output data identifying at least one output from the at least one outputdevice responsive to which the user input is received, input datadescribing the user interaction with the respective input device tocause the detected user input, and an elapsed time since start of theuser session at which the user input was received, store the result,user selections and the user/machine interaction data corresponding tothe user session in correlated relation in the at least one data store.19. An apparatus that operates responsive to at least in part to databearing records, comprising: a machine including, at least one displayoperative to output a plurality of user selectable contest selectionoptions and machine instruction options, at least one input deviceoperative to receive from users a plurality of user inputs, the userinputs including user option selection inputs and user machineinstruction inputs, at least one circuit in operative connection with atleast one data store, wherein the at least one circuit is in operativeconnection with the at least one display and the at least one inputdevice, wherein the at least one circuit includes a timer, wherein theat least one circuit is operative to cause the timer to begin elapsedtime operation responsive at least in part to at least one instructioninput through the at least one input device corresponding to a usersession start, output through the at least one display, an output screenincluding at least one user contest selection option and machineinstruction options, record user option selection inputs receivedthrough the at least one input device, change outputs of possible usercontest selection options and machine instruction options through the atleast one display responsive at least in part to machine instructioninputs, determine for each user input, user/machine interaction dataassociated with the respective user input including: output dataidentifying at least one output from the at least one display responsiveto which the user input is received, wherein the output data includes asum of a plurality of pixel values included in instructions that areoperative to cause the output screen to be output through the display,input data describing the user interaction with the respective inputdevice to cause the detected user input, and an elapsed time since startof the user session at which the user input was received, store userselections and the user/machine interaction data corresponding to theuser session in correlated relation in the at least one data store. 20.An apparatus that operates responsive to at least in part to databearing records, comprising: a machine including, at least one outputdevice operative to output a plurality of user selectable contestselection options and machine instruction options, at least one inputdevice including a touch screen operative to receive from users aplurality of user inputs, the user inputs including user optionselection inputs and user machine instruction inputs, at least onecircuit in operative connection with at least one data store, whereinthe at least one circuit is in operative connection with the at leastone output device and the at least one input device, wherein the atleast one circuit includes a timer, wherein the at least one circuit isoperative to cause the timer to begin elapsed time operation responsiveat least in part to at least one instruction input through the at leastone input device corresponding to a user session start, output throughthe at least one output device, user contest selection options andmachine instruction options, record user option selection inputsreceived through the at least one input device, change outputs ofpossible user contest selection options and machine instruction optionsthrough the at least one output device responsive at least in part tomachine instruction inputs, determine for each user input, user/machineinteraction data associated with the respective user input including:output data identifying at least one output from the at least one outputdevice responsive to which the user input is received, input datadescribing the user interaction with the respective input device tocause the detected user input, wherein the input data includes locationdata including X, Y coordinates corresponding to locations of usercontacts with the touch screen, and an elapsed time since start of theuser session at which the user input was received, store user selectionsand the user/machine interaction data corresponding to the user sessionin correlated relation in the at least one data store.
 21. Apparatuscomprising: a voting machine including: at least one output device,wherein the at least one output device is operative to output aplurality of user selectable voting contest selection options, at leastone input device, wherein the at least one input device is operative toreceive from a machine user a plurality of user inputs, the user inputsincluding user voting contest option selection inputs which correspondto user votes, at least one circuit in operative connection with atleast one data store, wherein the at least one circuit is in operativeconnection with the at least one output device and the at least oneinput device, wherein the at least one circuit includes a timer, whereinthe at least one circuit is operative to cause the timer to beginelapsed time operation responsive at least in part to at least oneinstruction input through the at least one input device corresponding toa user voting session start, output through the at least one outputdevice, user voting contest selection options, record user votingcontest option selection inputs received through the at least one inputdevice, determine for each user voting contest option selection input,user/machine interaction data associated with the respective user votingcontest option selection input including: output data, wherein theoutput data is usable to identify at least one output from the at leastone output device that includes the user voting contest selectionoptions responsive to which the user voting contest option selectioninput is received, input data, wherein the input data is usable todescribe the user interaction with the respective input device to causethe detected user voting contest option selection input, and an elapsedtime since start of the user voting session at which the respective uservoting contest option selection input is received, store datacorresponding to the user voting contest option selection inputs asvotes and the user/machine interaction data corresponding to the uservoting session in correlated relation in the at least one data store.22. The apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the at least one outputdevice includes a display and the at least one input device includes atouch screen, wherein user voting contest selection options are includedin an output screen and the user voting contest selection inputs eachcorrespond to a respective user contact with the touch screen while theoutput screen is output, wherein the output data uniquely identifies theoutput screen and the input data includes coordinates of the respectiveuser contact with the touch screen.
 23. Apparatus comprising: a votingmachine including: at least one output device, wherein the at least oneoutput device is operative to output a plurality of selectable votercontest selection options and machine instruction options, at least oneinput device, wherein the at least one input device is operative toreceive voter inputs from voters including voter contest selectioninputs and machine instruction inputs, at least one circuit in operativeconnection with at least one data store, wherein the at least onecircuit is in operative connection with the at least one input deviceand the at least one output device, wherein the at least one circuitincludes a timer, wherein the at least one circuit is operative to causeoutput from the at least one output device, the selectable voter contestselection options, receipt through the at least one input device of atleast one voter contest selection input that corresponds to at least oneof the output voter selectable voter contest selection options, storagein the at least one data store of voter selection data corresponding tothe at least one voter contest selection input received from the voter,storage in the at least one data store of user/machine interaction datafor each received voter contest selection input, including output dataidentifying the output from the at least one output device responsive towhich the respective voter contest selection input is received, inputdata describing a detected user interaction with the respective at leastone input device which received the respective voter contest selectioninput, time data associated with a receipt of the respective votercontest selection input as determined by the timer, and action dataidentifying a resulting action taken by the at least one circuitresponsive at least in part to receipt of the respective voter contestselection input.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 20 wherein atleast one output user contest selection option is included in a displayscreen output through a touch screen display, and wherein the locationdata includes at least one scroll offset value for the display screen asoutput through the display.